JAMMU, July 3: The 30,000-tonnes per annum magnesite project in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district is likely to be commissioned by December, 2015.

Magnesite Project at Panthal area of Reasi is likely to be commissioned by December, 2015, Minister of State for Industries & Commerce and Home, Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo, was informed by the officials during his visit to Panthal-based Magnesite Project of J&K Mineral Development Corporation Ltd, yesterday.

During the visit, the Minister took stock of ongoing works at the project site.

The project is a joint venture of NMDC Ltd and J&K Minerals Ltd.

The project envisages setting up of 30,000 tonnes per annum Dead Burnt Magnesia Plant at Panthal, Katra, officials said, adding that the product will be consumed by refractory manufacturers for use in steel plant, cement plant.

The activities of the project are being monitored by S K Nag, project Manager JKMDC and S A Rafiqui Assistant Project Manager JKMDC.

The approval cost of the project is Rs 143 crore which may likely to go upto Rs 190 crore, they said.

This project will generate employment direct & indirect within the area and is likely to be commissioned by December 2015.

Speaking on the occasion, Kichloo said industrialisation is the most powerful tool for massive economic development and employment generation.

He said exploitation of industrial opportunities is being fast tracked keeping in view of huge requirement for employment and economic development.

SRINAGAR, July 3: The family of Irfan Ahmad, who was killed at Markundal, today blamed Manzoor Ahmad Sheikh, an alleged army informer, and an army man for opening fire on the teenaged boy and killing him.
However, the higher education minister, Mohammad Akbar Lone, put the blame on Manzoor but held army equally responsible for the killing.
Manzoor, a tipper driver, had claimed that he was witness to the killing by army and later he was arrested by police.
However, Irfan’s family today alleg